I have to decided to re-enter the jeep world. I have had 5 full size jeeps in the past but it is time for me to settle into something more economical and fuel injected. I have been looking at 92 XJ and a 93 ZJ. The both are running 4.0/ax15/np231? combo's at around 160-170k miles. Which is better and why? What should I be looking for when checking these out?Thanks in advance. Joe

 

I own an XJ so my opinion is biased. I believe the XJ has less bugs than the ZJ. The XJ is leaner(lower weight I think) and not as plastic cladded. I believe the aftermarket support for the XJ is way larger than the ZJ. Welcome to CF from N. Illinois soon to be Texas!

STROMVADER

 

Another thing...look how many people are viewing the ZJ section vs the XJ section. I guess it all depends on what you'll use it for. I'm sure some gurus will chime in with their infinite knowledge!

 

Welcome from Winston in TN. It all depends on what your needs are. If you are looking to build an off road rig then I would go for the XJ for the aftermarket support as STROMVADER suggested. If you are looking for a family vehicle then the ZJ would better suit your needs, it has more passenger comfort and legroom.

 

I am kind of leaning towards a "stocker with a locker" rig. I was under the impression that both styles shared the same suspension/drivetrain/steering set up. I kow the zj has the garbage bumper issue. Look at it funny and you will have to replace it. I am more of function before fashion kind of guy. It doesn't have to look pretty but it has to run pretty. Less #'s on the the zj forum means better rigs or rich owners?

 

Not completely the same suspension setup. The front is basically identical, but he XJ rear is leaf spring and the ZJ rear is coil spring.

 

I had a 93 ZJ, never heard of one with a stick, mine was 4.0, AW4, NP242. I think they only came 242 or 247 (Full time 4wd with 4low). If you go ZG go 242 TC. As a "Stocker with locker", ZJ whens hands down for comfort. 2" BB at minimum is a must do. The XJ is better offroad and the ZJ was a beter DD rig. IMO, it comes down to what you want more fore the street or more for the trails.

 

I drive a 97 XJ and my wife drives the 96 ZJ which my brother refers to as "The Grand Minivan" Like others have said, it all depends on what you are gonna do with it and what your specific needs are.

 

The numbers reference meant that XJ's have a lot of people modding them and completing DIY projects on minimal budgets to insane $$$$ rigs. No offense to ZJ owners implied.

 

you know i like the zj it looks more comfortable to me for trips and stuff. plus the support is pretty good for them now compared to a few years ago. but i chose the xj cause i wanted to lift it and take it to some hard spots that i would have been a little nervous to take a nice looking zj to. but if you get a 1999 i think you can get the 5.9 motor and that would be a good motor for a small jeep

 

Of the two vehicles you listed I would choose the 92 XJ, 1993 was the first year for the ZJ and it lacked some cool stuff that came on later years. A ZJ would be a pretty sweet trail/street rig, If you could find a 97 or 98.

 

Is the zj wider in both the body and the axle? What is a 2 inch BB? Does a np 242 come behind an ax15? any big difference between a 242 and a 231?I am 99% sure this zj is a factory setup. Do the NP t-cases still have that round tag ID tag on them?My pocket book can't afford creampuffs so I am not too worried about scratching the paint job. Max tire size will be either 31's or 235/75 /15's. Mostly trails, no rock gardens or 4 ft deep mud holes. I want the axles to flex with minimal trimming. thanks for all the info.

 

heres my XJ next to my brother inlaws ZJ

ZJ limited 5.9
6" IRO short arm kit
33" Goodyear MTR kevlars

 

It really depends on what fits you better. As others have said the XJ will have more aftermarket support with more potential offroad and the ZJ is much more comfortable and decent as a mild wheeler.

The AX-15 and 231 were rare in ZJ's, but were produced.

 

Listen to this guy here... Ive had a 97 ZJ and now i have a 89 XJ... i think your better off with the 98 ZJ 5.9 V8... there harder to find but way better... even if you get the smaller V8 its a better buy... Someone said something about the ZJ bumper being junk... well so is the thin sheetmetal bumpers on the XJ... reason more people are in the XJ section and not the ZJ section is because theres more XJ's made then ZJ's... both have the same drivetrain andthe ZJ does have coil rear spring BUT they make lift kits to convert XJ's to coil spring in the rear... they dont make a lift to convert the ZJ to leafs for a reason... you can get more flex from a spring setup... everyone said theres not alot aftermarket for the ZJ but i can find at least acouple of everything you would ever need to build a ZJ on the net... So your fine there... then youve got the better ride and luxury of the ZJ on top of everything but thats really just a plus to it... i love my XJ and i got a good deal on it and came out of my pocket zero dollars on it... but if i was buying between the 2 i would get another ZJ... oh and ZJ's have rear disc brakes on some... 98 ZJ V8 5.9 is the best out of them all... they will even out run the newer SRT grand cherokees... people were ticked about that when the SRT came out...